The automotive world is one that is constantly changing. There is a constant flow of new technology that completely changes the way we look at cars. While many of us celebrate this march towards a new world of cars, some of us also yearn for an era where cars were simpler beasts.
For better or worse, though, there are still plenty of new cars on the market that have not fully embraced change. Some automakers have stubbornly held on to their outdated ways and refused to integrate new technologies into their cars. From small hatchbacks to big pickup trucks, these old-school machines still exist everywhere. The problem is that they have to go up against cheaper, reliable used cars.
We take a look at ten new cars that you can buy in 2024 that have denied new technologies and remained fairly analog in one way or another. We take a look at their technologies and what their manufacturers would have to do to bring them into the modern age. We also rank them from least to most expensive.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver. The models below have been ranked based on their starting MSRP, from cheapest to most expensive.
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10 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
MSRP: $16,695
The Mitsubishi Mirage was dethroned recently as the cheapest new car that you could buy. It now sits firmly in second place, with an absurdly low starting MSRP. This car is good for getting you from A to B and that’s about it.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
1.2-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Three |
Transmission |
CVT |
Horsepower |
78 HP |
Torque |
74 LB-FT |
Driveline |
FWD |
(Data was collected from Mitsubishi)
Mitsubishi’s main goal with the Mirage is clearly to keep costs down. This means that the car is absolutely bare bones. While we can’t really fault Mitsubishi for offering an incredibly entry-level vehicle, as there are definitely people who will appreciate it, there really isn’t anything interesting about it.
The case with the Mirage isn’t so much that its tech is outdated, it’s more that it completely lacks technology. It houses a small seven-inch touchscreen and that’s about the extent of any form of technology housed in the tiny, cheap interior. Its biggest strength, though, is its fuel economy.
9 2024 Mazda MX-5
MSRP: $28,985
There are few cars that have the historical impact of the Mazda MX-5. The Miata is a sports coupe that prides itself on being accessible and simple. There are few cars where a lack of technology is actually a benefit, but the MX-5 is one of them.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
2.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
181 HP |
Torque |
151 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
5.7 Seconds |
Top Speed |
143 MPH |
(Data was collected from Mazda and Car and Driver)
Mazda’s MX-5 wears its simplicity like a badge of honor. It’s a sports car that lacks any fancy equipment. Any kind of interference between the driver and the road is considered to be a bad thing. This works for the Miata, though, and its simplicity means it offers a raw experience.
The MX-5 is, however, starting to show its age. This generation has been around for a good while now and its little four-cylinder is starting to show its age, as is its 6-speed automatic. The Mazda’s shortcomings are made even more apparent by its competition, the Toyota GR86, which offers things like a digital gauge display.
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8 2023 Fiat 500X
MSRP: $30,245
While there hasn’t been a model update for the 2024 year, Fiat is still selling the 2023 500X new. The subcompact from the Italian automaker may feature a unique and exciting design, but on the inside, it’s outdated and denies you access to attractive features.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
1.2-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
Transmission |
9-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
177 HP |
Torque |
210 LB-FT |
Driveline |
AWD |
(Data was collected from Fiat)
The Fiat 500X comes standard with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, two things that we can definitely credit the Italians for. While the 500X might be more exciting to look at than its rivals, it’s smaller, less practical, and comes with fewer standard features.
Its small seven-inch infotainment system is a big part of why this car feels so dated. The system is slow and glitchy and features like navigation are hidden behind a paywall. Driver assistance tech is also lacking, and you only get access to it if you add it as an optional extra. All of this might contribute to why it sells so poorly in the U.S.
7 2024 Nissan Frontier
MSRP: $30,510
Nissan’s Frontier pickup truck has been around for a while. The newest iteration has definitely made improvements in a ton of noticeable ways. However, compared to other mid-size pickup trucks, the Frontier just isn’t up to standard.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
3.8-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-6 |
Transmission |
9-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
310 HP |
Torque |
281 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity |
6,720 LBS |
Payload Capacity |
1,610 LBS |
(Data was collected from Nissan)
We can appreciate that Nissan has made a number of changes to their mid-size truck that help it keep up with the competitive market. Its interior is notably better than previous models, and it has a bunch of desirable features.
The main downside to the Nissan Frontier is its steering. It is heavy and hard to operate. Its steering wheel also isn’t telescopic, which will be a downside to many people. Its infotainment system also still features a ton of physical knobs and buttons that govern controls.
6 2024 Toyota 4Runner
MSRP: $40,705
The Toyota 4Runner is one of the most legendary off-road SUVs to have ever existed. Toyota knows this and it’s why they’ve been so hesitant to make any changes to it over its long lifespan. It’s been in desperate need of an update for a long time, though.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
4.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-6 |
Transmission |
5-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
270 HP |
Torque |
278 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity |
5,000 LBS |
(Data was collected from Toyota)
Toyota’s 4Runner has remained a top seller despite being super outdated, which is why it has taken them so long to bring about any updates. However, the 2025 model calls in a new generation and if you’re looking for any kind of modern tech, we would suggest waiting for it to hit the market.
The most dated part of the 4Runner is its powertrain and its automatic transmission. Its V-6 struggles to deliver when you put your foot down and is incredibly heavy on fuel when you do. Its five-speed transmission is also super sluggish. On the inside, the 4Runner features switches and buttons that will make you nostalgic for decades past.
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5 2024 Infiniti Q55
MSRP: $43,050
Infiniti is a brand that has been struggling to find its identity in the modern automotive market. The Q50 is the brand’s only sedan and has been stuck in its first generation for over a decade. It also sits in an incredibly competitive category of luxury sedans where others are just doing more.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
3.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-6 |
Transmission |
7-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
400 HP |
Torque |
350 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD or AWD |
0-60 MPH |
4.5 Seconds |
Top Speed |
182 MPH |
(Data was collected from Infiniti)
The Q50 suffers in a lot of ways from a lack of inspiration. Its stylish exterior and its twin-turbo V-6 make it seem deceptively attractive. Unfortunately, it misses the mark though. There are just too many other more advanced options on the market from the likes of Genesis and BMW.
The Q50’s issues are everywhere. While its V-6 provides an exciting amount of power, its suspension is outdated and makes the car feel incredibly jittery. Its infotainment system also betrays its age. It may have an interesting dual-screen setup, but its resolution is super low and its controls are beyond confusing.
4 2024 Acura RDX
MSRP: $44,350
Acura’s line of luxury cars all have one thing in common: they are much cheaper than their European competitors. The RDX is no exception. The problem, however, is that its powertrain and its transmission betray its otherwise interesting personality.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
Transmission |
10-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
272 HP |
Torque |
280 LB-FT |
Driveline |
AWD |
0-60 MPH |
6.2 Seconds |
Top Speed |
120 MPH |
(Data was collected from Acura and Car and Driver)
The RDX is a really attractive car, inside and out. If you’re looking for a compact luxury SUV, then the RDX offers great value, with a much lower price tag than rivals like the Lexus NX and the BMW X3 and a long list of standard features. However, its interior materials aren’t up to snuff and its driving tech is in need of a dire update.
The RDX has an interesting turbocharged inline-four that packs a punch and helps the compact SUV be entertaining. The problem is the fact that the automatic transmission is jittery and doesn’t shift when you need it to. The interior is also incredibly dated and features a ton of physical buttons that make the center stack look incredibly busy.
3 2024 Nissan Armada
MSRP: $50,700
Nissan makes this list a number of times and it’s pretty clear why. They charge a fortune for cars that haven’t received any kind of updates in years. The Nissan Armada is a perfect example of this.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
5.6-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-8 |
Transmission |
7-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
400 HP |
Torque |
417 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity |
8,500 LBS |
(Data was collected from Nissan)
The 2024 Nissan Armada definitely rides the coattails of previous generations. While it remains fairly rugged, with a super capable V-8 and an interior packed with high-quality materials, there are a number of places where its age shines through. It is, however, the cheapest full-size SUV to offer a third-row as standard.
Where the Armada really falls short is efficiency and driving dynamics. Its V-8 doesn’t live up to the efficiency of modern powertrains that muster the same levels of power, making the Armada one of the thirstiest cars among its peers. Its ride and steering response are also well below par and are in desperate need of an update.
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2 2024 Maserati Ghibli
MSRP: $109,500
Italian sports cars are always something to behold. Hence, the Maserati Ghibli has a ton of presence on the road thanks to its striking looks and its roaring V-6 or V-8 engine. Where it’s let down, though, is its interior, which simply doesn’t live up to the six-figure price tag.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
3.8-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-8 |
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
580 HP |
Torque |
538 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
3.7 Seconds |
Top Speed |
203 MPH |
(Data was collected from Maserati and Car and Driver)
The Ghibli is an Italian sports car through and through and its performance is astounding. This is especially true of the Trofeo which swaps out the V-6 for a roaring twin-turbocharged V-8. It still remains one of the fastest sedans on the road. However, the Ghibli is notorious for having an interior that is not up to snuff.
Maserati has unfortunately skimped on a lot of the interior parts in the Ghibli. Many of its internal tech is borrowed from other Stellantis products, such as window switches from the Jeep Grand Cherokee. On top of this, its infotainment system is known to crash and stutter all the time.
1 2024 Nissan GT-R
MSRP: $121,090
The Nissan GT-R is one of the most legendary cars that Nissan has ever produced. It’s a beast designed to conquer the streets and the track equally. The only problem is that this iteration debuted over a decade ago and has received very few updates.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
3.8-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-6 |
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
565 HP |
Torque |
467 LB-FT |
Driveline |
AWD |
0-60 MPH |
2.9 Seconds |
Top Speed |
196 MPH |
(Data was collected from Nissan and Car and Driver)
While we cannot dispute the performance of the GT-R, with it still remaining competitive against some modern sports cars, it is still incredibly outdated. Nissan also plans to retire the R35 with the 2025 model year, which brings about some minor changes. This may mean that an updated GT-R is on the Horizon.
Nissan’s GT-R uses an outdated and underpowered V-6 engine and an interior and infotainment system that definitely shows their age. Despite being incredibly old, Nissan also still charges a minor fortune for the pleasure of owning the GT-R. Other cars in the same price range offer a combination of performance and luxury, the latter being something the GT-R desperately lacks.